SINAI Urban Health Institute » Hearing

Digital hearing aids and mobile phones

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:10:48 +0000

Being able to hear clearly makes all the difference in almost every situation in daily life. However, certain situations, such as talking on the phone, remain difficult to manage – even with the best digital hearing aids.

But now, with huge advances in hearing aids, not just making them smaller and more lightweight but also making them compatible with mobile phones, TV’s and even music listening devices. A number of leading hearing aid manufacturers now support mobile phones and electronic devices such as Phonak’s and Oticon hearing aids.

Oticon have recently launched the ConnectLine™ series helping to link the Oticon Epoq and Dual instruments to the world of electronic communication. This really is a massive breakthrough for all hearing instrument wearers and provides to them not only amazing hearing and clarity of sound but added convenience of being able to use the mobile phone seamlessly with a hearing aid. Listening to the TV has also become a total joy again for people who wear an Epoq or Oticon Dual as it will bring the sound directly into their ears. This not only helps to increase their own comprehension and enjoyment of the sound but also helps to minimise the frustrations that others often have to bear when the TV volume is too high.

The Oticon ConnectLine solution allows the hearing instrument wearer to talk on the phone, watch TV and listen to music with total ease. In a very similar way Phonak’s new digital hearing aid family: Exelia Art, Versata, Certena and Audeo Yes all have connectivity to mobile phones, TV’s and other electronic devices. Phonak uses a clever device called iCom, which is a wireless communication interface that integrates with all phonak hearing aids. It actually connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to televisions, telephones, MP3 players, computers and other audio sources with a simple touch of a button. So the idea is that with the latest advances in hearing solutions, anyone suffering from hearing loss needn’t be left behind, in fact some may say they have an advantage. Hearing aids that connect to mobile phones, TV’s and other devices are a thing of the future and represent an amazing step forward for all wearers. Hear speech more clearly, the TV directly into your ears, pick up the phone at the touch of a button and talk hands free, even listen to your favourite music. And the best thing is you can do this all at once, with a simple click to tell your hearing device what you wish to engage.

Are Digital Hearing Aids better than Analogue Hearing Aids?

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:31:01 +0000

How do they differ?

Analogue hearing aids use a amplifier to raise all sounds by a certain amount, which can be adjusted by a simple volume control. The problem with this is that hearing loss is rarely equal over the range of pitches and by raising the volume to hear speech, we will be raising the level of background noise as well. Difficult!

In fact many of us have been put off wearing a hearing device for just that reason. The latest digital hearing instruments from manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon and Resound can be set not to enhance background noise, and to just concentrate on hearing speech, which is what hearing aids are designed to do. This means that digital hearing aids are much better for more difficult types of hearing loss, and for hearing in background noise.

The newest digital hearing aids are also great at suppressing those unwanted sounds, incorporating features such as wind suppression and feedback cancellation. These two features can alone substantially improve one’s listening experience. Really for anyone wearing an analogue hearing aid they should try and listen to the benefits of these latest devices because the benefits really are incredible and must be experienced.

Its sometimes considered a cliché to hear customers who are wearing the latest devices, comment that “it really has changed my life”, or “i can hear birdsong again”. But its really anything but a cliché and it is only when we are able to experience these amazing new advances in hearing health that we can truly see at the benefits they deliver.

If you’ve got an analogue hearing device, or even if you just think you’ve got a hearing loss, look for free hearing tests from a local hearing audiologist and ask for a demonstration of digital hearing aids. It really is as simple as that, and anyone who is concerned about their hearing or currently wearing the older analogue style should go and have a look for themselves.

Hearing Aid Prices And How They Differ

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:19:02 +0000

Hearing aid prices and how they differ

Even when one needs to spend money on a critical item such as a hearing aid there is a lack of desire in actually parting with the money. So, it is not uncommon for individuals to look for lower cost hearing aid prices when the need to purchase a new digital hearing aid is required. However it is not always the best option to look for hearing aid prices that are the lowest and as the cheapest option may not be suitable or fit for purpose.

Shop Around to find out about hearing aid prices is the best advice.

Probably the best way to find more information on hearing aid prices would be to shop around. You will need to find a local hearing aid retailer who will provide a free hearing test and guidance on suitable hearing aids for your requirements and hearing loss.

Always consider all hearing aid options, consider the different styles and makes of digital hearing aids. All the major manufacturers, such as Phonak, Oticon and GN Resound have their own portfolios of different types and styles of digital hearing aids, including the new open ear hearing aids.

The NHS offers a free service in the UK. You would initially need to see your GP, who will refer you to be put on a waiting list for an audiological assessment, probably at a local hospital. Then, if you fall into NHS prescription guidelines, you will be able to rent a hearing aid free of charge of then. This will include free hearing aid batteries as well. However on the NHS you will only be provided with a behind the ear hearing aid as they do not provide ‘in the ear’ or ‘completely in the canal’ hearing aids – the smaller and more cosmetically acceptable hearing aids.

Hearing aid prices will vary across the range of different digital hearing aids and hearing aid manufacturers but with Oticon hearing aids and Phonak hearing aids you can be sure to find something in your budget.

Disposable modular hearing aids are the cheapest hearing aids available and are sometime advertised for less than £100. These are not made to fit an individual ear, and can prove more expensive than a ‘proper’ digital hearing aid due to the need to constantly replace it. They are by no means suitable for all types and levels of hearing loss, nor will they provide any comfort to the hearing aid wearer due to its modular make.

Digital hearing aids have revolutionised the hearing aid market and provide amazing benefits to the hearing aid wearer such as noise filters, directional microphones, wind noise suppression and anti-feedback technology.

When considering a digital hearing aid for the first time, speak to a professional hearing care retailer and ask about the level of aftercare offered and whether its included within the price of the hearing aid.